Importance of matrix effects in LC-MS/MS bioanalysis

“According to our experience, the matrix effect should always be carefully and thoroughly examined as it may be revealed in diverse and unexpected forms impacting accuracy of the data generated.”

The matrix effect has been discussed in many publications over the years since its first report in a bioanalytical assay by Buhrman et al. in 1996 [1]. This phenomenon established by Kebarle et al. in 1993 is generally defined in LC–MS/MS as the impact of the co-eluting compounds endogenously present in the matrix on the ionization efficiency and the reproducibility of the ionization source [2]. Due to the high importance of the matrix effect on the reliability of data generated in LC–MS/MS bioanalysis, the regulatory agencies require demonstration of no impact coming from the matrix as part of a bioanalytical method validation.

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